ILOILO City – The National Food Authority (NFA) is fast-tracking the construction of three modern warehouses in Iloilo Province, aiming to bolster the country’s rice security and post-harvest resilience ahead of the 2025 target for full operational readiness.
Strategically located in Jaro (Iloilo City) and Dueñas and Dumangas towns, the new facilities are part of a broader modernization push under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
As of this month, construction progress stands at 48 percent, with procurement underway for a state-of-the-art rice mill and mechanical dryers, according to Engr. Clark Obja-an, head of the NFA Western Visayas’ Facility Management Section.
“These upgrades will significantly improve our operational efficiency and allow us to better serve our farmers, especially during the harvest season,” Obja-an said in a radio interview. “We are working to finish construction and installation by the end of the year.”
Once completed, the warehouses will be equipped to receive wet or freshly harvested palay — an essential feature during the rainy season, when traditional drying methods are impractical and crop losses are common.
The integration of a modern rice mill and dryers will enhance rice processing capacity and minimize spoilage, a longstanding issue in the region’s agricultural supply chain.
Obja-an also acknowledged the challenges of maintaining decades-old rice mills, some nearing 45 years in service. The transition to newer facilities is expected to ease this burden and support the establishment of a more resilient and efficient grain storage network across Western Visayas.
The NFA also continues its monthly facility assessments and on-site dialogues to identify needed improvements and ensure warehouse safety and functionality across the region./PN
